LuckyChap and Lucasfilm

Former COO of FilmNation, ​​​​​​Milan Popelka, is joining LuckyChap (Barbie) as a new partner alongside Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, and Margot Robbie. He has served as executive producer on many acclaimed projects, including two of this year’s Best Picture contenders Anora and Conclave. In his new role, Popelka will oversee business operations and strategic and financial growth across LuckyChap’s portfolio.

JK Rowling's Lit and Entertainment Agency, Blair Partnership, has made two big hires:

Simon Johnson as chief commercial officer.

• Johnson, formerly with Universal Music UK, Amazon, and HarperCollins, will focus on business growth and new opportunities.

Kiran Jeffery as the managing director of the Harry Potter franchise team.

• Jeffery, a Disney veteran, will oversee marketing, product development, and publishing for the Harry Potter brand.

Their appointments come as the HBO Harry Potter series enters production, so there is no big surprise on the ramp-up.

Dylan Clark Productions, The Batman and Max’s The Penguin, has brought on John-Eric Capps to serve as its new EVP of TV. He joins from the indie studio Sister, where he served as VP of Development. In his new position, Capps will oversee DCP’s growing television slate while expanding the company’s relationships with top-tier partners and studios.

Rayne Roberts, a longtime Lucasfilm executive, has been appointed senior VP of production and development at Searchlight Pictures. She previously played key roles in Lucasfilm's Star Wars films and The Acolyte.